Thinking back to my years in the FFA Organization, there was no moment quite as special as when I received my very first blue corduroy FFA jacket. I still remember how confident I felt as I zipped up my new jacket that had my first and last name stitched perfectly in gold on the right side, the other side bearing the historic emblem of an organization that began in 1928.

What an honor it was for me to be a part of something bigger than me – an organization that educated nearly half a million young leaders at that time, all around the United States. Many FFA students’ stories start the same way, a new blue corduroy FFA jacket and the promise of a unique experience in a one-of-a-kind leadership organization.

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America is one of many agriculture companies that support the FFA organization. Working in part with the Ohio FFA Foundation, Farm Credit has developed a program that helps award FFA members with their first-ever corduroy FFA Jacket.

Over the past four years, the Farm Credit Mid-America Blue Jacket Program has donated about 500 FFA jackets to deserving FFA members throughout Ohio. The idea of the program started when City Barbeque owner and past FFA officer Rick Malir met with Ohio FFA Foundation director Melissa Bell, and the two created what would be a way to give back to the FFA – the Blue Jacket Program.

The program reaches 18 Ohio counties, where all school systems that have an FFA chapter are eligible to apply for the chance to receive an FFA jacket donated by Farm Credit.

The detailed application process allows members to express their desire for their first FFA jacket. Members must also complete a series of requirements, such as attending several chapter events, reciting the FFA creed, participating in a supervised agricultural experience and attending a state wide contest. Each chapter’s FFA instructor then reviews the applications and selects the candidate or candidates that will be rewarded with their first FFA jacket, free of charge, thanks to Farm Credit’s generous donation. FFA jackets usually cost members $50-$75.

Lindsey Hoskinson, Farm Credit Mid-America’s assistant vice president of financial services, is enthusiastic about the Blue Jacket Program.

"It’s a great way to get FFA students familiar with Farm Credit and possible internship or job opportunities in the future." Hoskinson is a past Ohio FFA state officer and believes the program helps Farm Credit learn more about FFA members while FFA members expand their knowledge of Farm Credit and the services it provides.

In most cases, Farm Credit officers go to each chapter’s banquet to present the donated FFA jackets and will give a speech during the banquet to encourage FFA members, reminding each that they are the future of the agriculture industry.

When FFA members receive their jackets, inside one of the pockets there is a small keepsake card that says, "Nothing beats the pride you feel when you zip up your FFA jacket."

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America serves Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. Another way Farm Credit has supported the future of the FFA organization is its four-year commitment to each state it serves. The Farm Credit "299 Ways to Say Thanks" campaign awarded Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee FFA associations with $25,000 each. Each state FFA has decided to invest their award differently.

Ohio FFA plans to expand their state convention with a free concert, service day and networking reception for members.

Indiana will invest its grant into the Indiana FFA Leadership Center and also provide more scholarship money for its state officer program.

Kentucky FFA plans to use its funds to improve the Kentucky FFA display at the Kentucky State Fair.

Tennessee FFA will expand its educational opportunities by sending several students to a summer agricultural education program.

Farm Credit shows its dedication to the future of FFA and agriculture by the various programs it offers for FFA members. As a result, FFA and Farm Credit are more connected. The strong traditions that make up the FFA organization, paired with the supportive community of Farm Credit employees, promises a bright future in the agriculture industry.